Wine and food tasting in an organic family winery

Thinking about a wine and food experience in Tuscany that feels genuine and personal? This tour at Casa Lucii offers just that—a chance to visit a real family-run organic estate outside San Gimignano. We’ve seen what makes this experience special, and it seems like the kind of outing that’s perfect for those who enjoy good wine, authentic food, and a relaxed atmosphere.

One of the things we love about this tour is the opportunity to connect with local hosts who are clearly passionate about their land and craft. Plus, the chance to explore the estate’s traditional “vinsantaia” and taste eight different organic wines—including a sweet Vin Santo—adds a special touch you won’t find just anywhere.

A potential consideration? The tour lasts about 2 hours and 45 minutes, so it’s a bit of a time commitment, but that’s pretty typical for a quality tasting experience. It’s also a private tour, which means you’ll get personalized attention, making it ideal if you prefer an intimate, unhurried visit. This experience suits travelers who want a genuine taste of Tuscany’s wine culture in a welcoming setting, away from the crowd.

Key Points

• Authentic Family-Run Estate: You’ll visit a traditional organic farm outside San Gimignano, run by a passionate local family.
• Comprehensive Tour: Expect a walk through the vegetable garden, orchard, vineyard, olive grove, and the historic cellar.
• Tasty Pairings: Eight organic wines paired with local cheeses, cold cuts, and farm produce make this a flavorful journey.
• Special Highlights: Tour of the “vinsantaia” aging room and a tasting of Vin Santo with Tuscan cantucci biscuits.
• Private and Relaxed: Only your group participates, making for a personalized, intimate experience.
• Good Value: For around $105 per person, you get a rich experience in beautiful surroundings with expert guides.

The Experience in Detail

The tour begins around noon at Casa Lucii, located just outside San Gimignano. Right from the start, you’re welcomed with an aperitivo—think light bites and a glass of wine—as you settle into the rustic charm of the estate. The warmth from the hosts, especially Orlando and his family, sets the tone for what turns out to be a memorable experience.

One of the first stops is the vegetable garden and orchard, where you’ll learn how they grow many of the ingredients used for their culinary pairings. Walking through the estate, you’ll get a sense of how organic farming is integrated into their daily life, with the hosts sharing stories about their sustainable practices. If you’re into farming or just enjoy seeing where your food comes from, this part of the visit is particularly interesting.

Next, you’ll head to the vineyard and olive grove. The vineyard tour is especially noteworthy because of the chance to see how they produce their organic wines. The hosts are passionate and knowledgeable, often sharing insights about the land, the grape varieties, and the importance of organic cultivation. Many reviews commend the guides’ friendliness and depth of understanding—“Orlando and the team gave us a perfect experience,” one guest says.

The highlight for many is the visit to the “vinsantaia,” the traditional aging room for Vin Santo. Here, you’ll see the carefully maintained environment where this sweet, dessert-style wine matures. Tasting Vin Santo paired with Tuscan cantucci biscuits is a special treat. The wines—eight in total—cover reds, whites, and rosés, offering a broad sense of what the estate produces. The selection is curated, and the tasting is guided to help you appreciate the nuances of each.

The tasting itself is relaxed and unpretentious, with a strong emphasis on organic products. The wines are described as crisp, fresh, and well-balanced—many reviewers mention how the wines pair beautifully with the local cheeses and cold cuts from the farm. One guest notes that their “IGT Sangiovese ‘Arturo'” was paired with artisanal chocolates, which shows how versatile the wines can be.

Towards the end, the experience concludes with a tasting of Vin Santo del Chianti “Curato” and the iconic Tuscan cantucci biscuits—the perfect way to end a meal. The setting for the tasting is often described as beautifully scenic, with views overlooking the Tuscan landscape, making the entire experience feel like an authentic slice of Italy.

What Makes This Tour Stand Out?

Authenticity and Family Charm: The fact that it’s a private tour, run by a family whose pride in their land shines through, makes all the difference. Guests often mention how welcoming and genuine Orlando and his family are, turning what could be just a tasting into a warm, personal experience.

Educational and Engaging: From a detailed look at the estate’s agricultural tools to the story behind each wine, guides do a good job of making the experience informative without being overly technical. Many reviews highlight how much they learned about organic farming and Tuscan wine traditions.

Beautiful Setting: The estate’s location outside San Gimignano offers stunning views that perfectly complement the tasting. It’s a peaceful escape from the busier tourist spots, ideal if you’re looking for a more relaxed pace.

Quality of Food and Wine: Review after review mentions how fresh, flavorful, and well-curated the food pairings are. The local cheeses, cold cuts, and the special chocolates make for memorable bites that elevate the wines.

Value for Money: At around $104.66 per person, this experience offers a lot—guided estate visit, eight wines, local gastronomic pairings, and a scenic drive. Considering the personalized service and high-quality products, many feel it’s worth every penny.

What Could Be Better?

The tour duration is nearly three hours, which might be a bit long for some travelers with tight schedules or those who prefer shorter visits. Also, since it’s an outdoor experience with a focus on organic, farm-fresh products, those with specific dietary restrictions or allergies should inquire beforehand.

Lastly, while most reviews are glowing, it’s good to remember that this is a private, intimate experience—so if you’re looking for a large-group or very casual tasting, this might not be the best fit.

Who Will Love This Experience?

This tour is best suited for wine lovers eager to explore authentic Tuscan wines in a genuine setting. If you appreciate organic farming and local food, you’ll find it especially rewarding. It’s also a great choice for those seeking a personalized, relaxed experience—perfect for couples, small groups, or anyone wanting to learn about Tuscany’s wine tradition from passionate locals.

While not specifically marketed as family-friendly, the focus on farm visits and tasting might appeal to curious older children or teenagers interested in farming or food. Younger kids might find the duration a bit lengthy, but overall, it’s an experience that many will find enriching and enjoyable.

FAQ Section

Is this tour suitable for vegetarians or those with food allergies?
The tour features local cheeses, cold cuts, and other farm produce, so if you have dietary restrictions, it’s best to check with Casa Lucii beforehand. They seem very accommodating and can likely suggest alternatives.

How long does the experience last?
The tour runs for approximately 2 hours 45 minutes, including the estate visit and tasting. It’s a leisurely pace that allows plenty of time to enjoy the surroundings and ask questions.

Is transportation included?
The details don’t specify transport from San Gimignano, so you’ll probably need to arrange your own arrival at Casa Lucii. The meeting point is Casa Lucii, Località Santa Maria, 49/C.

What makes the wines organic?
The estate focuses on organic cultivation, meaning they avoid synthetic chemicals and prioritize sustainable farming practices. You’ll taste wines that reflect these efforts—crisp, fresh, and natural.

Can I buy the wines or olive oil after the tour?
While not explicitly stated, many guests mention their intention to order or purchase bottles as souvenirs or gifts, so it’s likely available for purchase on-site or through arrangements.

Is it appropriate for children?
While the experience is quite adult-oriented, especially with the tasting, children interested in farms or food might enjoy the estate visit. Check with Casa Lucii if you’d like to bring kids.

What is the price per person?
The experience costs around $104.66, which includes the estate tour, wine tastings, and food pairings.

What if I need to cancel?
You can cancel free of charge up to 24 hours before the tour. This flexibility makes it easier to plan.

Who is the experience provider?
Casa Lucii manages the tour, and they are known for their welcoming attitude and sustainable approach to winemaking.

If you’re someone who values authentic, small-scale wine experiences in Tuscany, this tour offers a perfect blend of education, relaxation, and excellent wine. It’s a chance to see the land behind the bottles and taste the flavors that make Tuscan wines so beloved. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply want to enjoy a peaceful day surrounded by beautiful scenery and good company, this experience is well worth considering.